In this article I am going to be talking to you about the S-scale or the S-gauge model train. This is a model train thats scale is 1:64 in size. It's popular because it fits between the HO and O model train scales. It can meet the requirements on a scale which is larger then the HO scale, which is considered too small for many hardcore model train fanatics.



It is how ever smaller then the O scale for model trains, which is good because it allows your track layouts to be laid out in a smaller area of space. As we all know, space can be at a premium when it comes to model trains and having space around the home. There is nothing more annoying then having a vision for your model train layout but not having enough room to implement it.

The S-gauge series of model trains has been around for nearly 100 years, but it did not really become popular until the creation of the re designed American Flyer model of trains. These were first produced by a company called A C Gilbert. They were based in Connecticut in the USA in the mid 1930's. Funnily enough it was one of the companies that was not hit hard by the recession, which just goes to prove how crazy we model railroaders really are!

The American Flyer model train, the train that has become so popular started its life out as a clockwork model train. It then became later an electric train. At this point it was dramatically redesigned to fit its new power mode. Gilbert's design for the new American Flyer was a huge hit. The American Flyer and the model trains build by A C Gilbert were built on the S-scale, how ever they ran on the O-gauge tracks which were standard at that time.

A decade or so later, A C Gilbert changed it up again. They designed and re designed it. They re designed the tracks for the S-scale model trains. Taking it away from the more traditional 3 track rails which were the ones used in the electric model trains of the day.

In general the three track rail back then would have two outer tracks for the wheels of the model train, and then the 3rd track in the middle would be the one carrying the current from the electricity to power the model trains motor.

The three track model was not very similar to the real thing how ever the two track rails were very similar and become very popular. The two track rails had a more realistic look to them and they made the layouts seem more real. This is because they were starting to look like real train tracks.

These tracks were developed for the smaller S-scale model trains and it allowed the model train tracks to have more realistic layouts with more curves and curves of different radius's. This was much better to run the popular and newly re designed American Flyer on.

Most of the baby boomer S-scale fanatics would have had their first taste of that scale with the hugely popular American Flyer model train back in the 50's. This was a very popular Christmas present. At this time, the American Flyer was also competing with another popular model train series, the Lionel model train. These two were the big dogs in the market at the time.

The S-scale model trains are still very popular including the American Flyer. They are rising in popularity with the younger generation. The Lionel company purchased the model train type from the people who purchased the American Flyer from A C Gilbert. The Lionel company was in very deep financial strife in the 60's and 70's and it went through many different sets of hands. The Lionel company still operates today, but its a totally different company from what it was.

There are still many different organizations out there today who cater to those who are interested int he S-scale model of trains. There is actually a national association called "The National Association Of S-Gaugers."

They do have a very active membership with people ranging from all ages. If you Google them you will find their website. They have activities, a newsletter, events they hold and of course suppliers for S-model enthusiasts. They have associations in the US, UK and Australia and probably more but I could not find any. There are even some Yahoo Groups on the subject.

S-scale is still one of the fastest growing scales that is within the model train industry and it's not going away any time soon. It's actually growing quicker then any other scale. It works on such less space compared to that of the HO scale. S-scale products are reliable and they are still very accurate.

It might have been a checkered past for the S-scale model train, but it's not going anywhere soon and its a good way to start with your model train hobby.